- World No. 114 Aslan Karatsev continued his stunning run at the
Australian Open on Tuesday. - The Russian beat Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals to become the first ever man to reach the last four of a Grand Slam on their debut.
- "It's an unbelievable feeling," Karatsev said after.
World No. 114 Aslan Karatsev continued his stunning run at the Australian Open on Tuesday as he became the first ever man to reach the semifinals of a Grand Slam on their debut.
The Russian qualifier came from behind to beat an injury hampered Grigor Dimitrov 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena. Dimitrov took a medical timeout in the third set for treatment on a back injury, however continued to struggle thereafter.
Karatsev, who had previously attempted to qualify for nine grand slams, will meet either Novak Djokovic or Alexander Zverev for a place in the final.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. It is my first time playing the main draw and first time in the semis," Karatsev said after the match. "It's incredible."
—#AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 16, 2021
By reaching the semifinals, Karatsev is guaranteed a minimum of $662,000 in prize money, which is $44,000 more than he's earned during his entire career to date, according to the Australian Open's official website.
Former British number one Tim Henman called Karatsevs run to the last four "an amazing story."
"He has just played incredible
"He dealt with some difficult moments and talked about his nerves. He obviously got a bit of luck with Dimitrov getting injured with the back, but his personality seems very calm and he wants to keep going. It's an impressive run."